Childminder in Derbyshire

Inspection report for early years provision

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Unique Reference Number EY242472 Inspection date 20 April 2006 Inspector Silvia Richardson

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Type of inspection Childcare Type of care Childminding

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This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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ABOUT THIS INSPECTION

The purpose of this inspection is to assure government, parents and the public of the quality of childcare and, if applicable, of nursery education. The inspection was carried out under Part XA Children Act 1989 as introduced by the Care Standards Act 2000 and, where nursery education is provided, under Schedule 26 of the School Standards and Framework Act 1998. This report details the main strengths and any areas for improvement identified during the inspection. The judgements included in the report are made in relation to the outcomes for children set out in the Children Act 2004; the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding; and, where nursery education is provided, the Curriculum guidance for the foundation stage. The report includes information on any complaints about the childcare provision which Ofsted has received since the last inspection or registration or 1 April 2004 whichever is the later.

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The key inspection judgements and what they mean

Outstanding: this aspect of the provision is of exceptionally high quality Good: this aspect of the provision is strong Satisfactory: this aspect of the provision is sound Inadequate: this aspect of the provision is not good enough For more information about early years inspections, please see the booklet Are you ready for your inspection? which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

The childminder was registered in 2002. She lives with her husband and 4 children aged 19, 15, 8 and 4 years. They live in a house close to shops, parks, library and public transport links. There is off-street road side parking available. The whole of the ground floor is used for childminding. There is a fully enclosed garden available for outside play. The childminder is registered to care for a maximum of 3 children at any one time or 6 children when working with another childminder.

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WHAT SORT OF SETTING IS IT?

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 She is currently jointly minding 6 children aged under 5 years on a full and part-time basis. The family have no pets. The childminder is a member of the National Childminding Association.

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Helping children to be healthy

The provision is good. Children play and move around in clean and tidy homely environment, promoting their welfare. Children are learning good personal hygiene and grooming habits as the childminder encourages children to wash their hands before snacks and meals and after using the bathroom. They talk about how to look after themselves and protect their health, through brushing their teeth and combing their hair. Children who are sick or infectious are excluded from the setting until well, protecting the health of all the children. Children's welfare is promoted through written consent being obtained from parents to administer medicines and appropriate records are kept including any accidents that may occur. Nutritious food is prepared from fresh ingredients and arrangements for meals are discussed and agreed with parents to ensure they meet children's individual needs. Children sit together at the table for meals as a family and are learning about the

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Helping children to be healthy

benefits of healthy eating, because the childminder talks to children about foods which are good for them. They have healthy options such as fruit for snacks and talk about the vitamins which help them to be healthy. Children have good opportunities to enjoy fresh air and exercise as they go out most days, walking to the park and library. They are enjoying an active lifestyle with scheduled time to play in the garden. Children acquire physical skills through use of large equipment at community groups.

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

The provision is inadequate. Children are appropriately supervised when playing and moving around, so that they are safe. They are also learning how to keep themselves safe in different situations. For example, children are encouraged to pick up toys and put them away after use to avoid tripping hazards and know they must stay away from the kitchen area because the oven gets hot. Children understand that must walk carefully and not run in the house, so as not to fall or bump into something. Some measures are place to protect children from hazards, such as electric sockets protected with covers and sharp objects, like kitchen knives, are kept out of child reach. Fire safety precautions include smoke detectors to provide early warning of fire. Children know how to evacuate the premises safely in the event of an emergency, because the childminder and her co-worker talk to the children and practise their

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

escape plan together. A fire blanket is available in the kitchen, although its location

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 propped above the cooker is hazardous. A fire in this area could result in the childminder or co-worker not being readily available to assist with the prompt and safe evacuation of the children. Children are developing a sound awareness of how to use furniture and equipment safely because the childminders talk to the children all the time, about possible dangers, such as climbing or tipping on chairs. They are encouraged to sit at the table or on the carpet with toys and to be aware of others playing near them. Toys and play materials are checked regularly to ensure they remain safe for use and children are encouraged to use resources appropriately, such as role-play equipment, so that they stay safe. Children are kept safe and protected from harm should child protection concerns

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Protecting children from harm or neglect and helping them stay safe

arise, because the childminder has training in this area and knows how to make a referral if worried. The children develop warm and trusting relationships with the childminder, so that they feel safe and secure and able to talk to the childminder.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

The provision is satisfactory. The children are generally happy and settled playing in the conservatory because the childminder organises a balanced schedule of play and learning experiences. Children spend some time sitting together as a group, developing listening skills and gaining confidence in talking and expressing their ideas. The childminder leads the group and asks children questions, for example, about the weather and day of the week. Children sit happily on the carpet for short periods of time watching children's television and join in with the songs. They also participate in a group story time which the older children particularly enjoy, younger children preferring to play with toys. Group play experiences are alternated with some free-play opportunities, so children can practice building skills, develop their imagination through use of role play equipment and look at books on their own or with others. Children readily approach

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

the childminder while playing as she is enthusiastic about their activities and helps them feel good about what they are doing or making. Younger children can access a range of activity toys in tubs and boxes at floor level, but the range lacks variety and choice for older children. Good use is not made of space in the lounge and dining room, and resources are not organised so that older children can make choices or sit at the table to use creative materials such as paints and pencils. The childminder sits with the children at their level to support their play and learning. They sustain their interest in the toys available, because the childminder continually praises their efforts and achievements. The children play very happily and contentedly together and share resources well, because the childminder provides much attention and a good level of supervision. Children are making good progress because they take part in outside activities, such as visits to community groups and

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

library. These opportunities supplement children's play and learning experiences in the home and ensure their all round developmental needs are met.

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Helping children achieve well and enjoy what they do

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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Helping children make a positive contribution

The provision is good. The setting supports and promotes positive attitudes towards different races and cultures, so that diversity is valued and children feel good about themselves and their identities. Toys, such as dolls, picture and story books, reflect positive images of differences and children are offered and enjoy a range of meals that reflect their cultures. The childminder creates an inclusive environment so that all children are able to participate in the activities on offer. Children with special needs are well supported and receive a good level of attention so that they make good progress. Children are very well behaved and co-operate well with each other, because the childminder constantly reinforces the benefits of sharing and taking turns. Children are developing good social skills and an awareness of others because the childminder continually praises desired behaviour and actively promotes good

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Helping children make a positive contribution

manners. Children are learning about safety and social rules because the childminder talks to them about expectations and rewards children with special stickers as appropriate. The childminder and co-worker are consistent in their approaches to children and work effectively together to provide stability and security. Positive relationships are well established with parents so that children's care and welfare needs are addressed and met appropriately. Some good written information is available for parents about childminding arrangements, so that they know what they can expect from the childminder and how they can contribute to children's welfare in the setting. Written agreements are in place and appropriate consent obtained for the range of activities and possible events, so that partnerships are effective in promoting children's welfare.

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Organisation

The organisation is inadequate. Children are settled and secure in the setting because the childminder and her assistant organise a familiar routine. Children spend time sitting together as group talking about everyday things such as the weather and colours. They have an organised free-play session in the conservatory and opportunities to play outside in the garden. The range and variety of toys offered is a little bit limited and not all resources are organised so that children can make choices throughout the session. The schedule is balanced so that children enjoy play and learning opportunities at community groups. The childminder, her co-worker and adult members of the household are properly vetted, ensuring they are suitable to be with children. The childminder is trained and qualified in childcare and early years education, first aid and food hygiene, enhancing the quality of children's care, learning and play experiences. The childminder has

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Organisation

devised some suitable policies and procedures to support good childminding practice and these are shared with parents, promoting children's welfare. The childminder keeps a register of attendance, although it has not been properly maintained in recent weeks so that she can accurately account for the numbers of children and

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Organisation

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 times they are in her care. The childminder is in breech of her conditions of registration, because she is caring for more children than she is registered. The childminder is not meeting the needs of the range of children for whom she provides.

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Improvements since the last inspection

Since the last inspection the childminder has completed an appropriate first aid course that includes training in first aid for infants and young children, enabling her to make an appropriate response should an accident occur. All persons over the age of 16 years living in the household have checks including a criminal records check, ensuring they are suitable to be with children. Records relating to childminding activities are readily accessible on the premises and available for inspection, promoting accountability. The childminder has also improved standards by obtaining written permission from parents for transporting children in a vehicle, so that proper consent is in place, promoting their welfare. She requests written permission from parents for seeking emergency medical advice or treatment, so that she can respond promptly and appropriately should an accident occur or a child become seriously unwell. The

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Improvements since the last inspection

childminder organises toys and activities so that younger children can select them easily. A mixed range of activity toys are placed in tubs and boxes on the floor in the conservatory.

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Complaints since the last inspection

There have been no complaints made to Ofsted since the last inspection. The provider is required to keep a record of complaints made by parents, which they can see on request. The complaints record may contain complaints other than those made to Ofsted.

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

On the basis of the evidence collected on this inspection:

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THE QUALITY AND STANDARDS OF THE CARE

The quality and standards of the care are inadequate - notice of action to improve. The registered person does not meet the National Standards for under 8s day care and childminding.

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The quality and standards of the care

To improve the quality and standards of care, the registered person must take the following actions:

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000 • meet required adult:child ratios, ensuring you care for no more than the number of children for whom you are registered • take positive steps to promote fire safety within the setting, ensuring the fire blanket is fitted according to manufacturers instructions and is easily accessible in the kitchen • maintain a daily record of the names of the children looked after on the premises, their hours of attendance and the names of the persons who looked after them These actions are set out in a notice of action to improve and must be completed by the date specified in the notice.

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The quality and standards of the care

procedures set out in the leaflet Building better childcare: Compliments and concerns about inspectors' judgements which is available from Ofsted's website: www.ofsted.gov.uk

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The quality and standards of the care

This inspection was carried out under the provisions of Part XA of the Children Act 1989, as inserted by the Care Standards Act 2000

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